A blog dedicated to the discussion of topics relating to the history of Sandusky and Erie County, Ohio; inspired by the collections of the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center and Follett House Museum. A service of the Sandusky Library.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Sandusky’s Columbus Avenue

Columbus Avenue was located in the very center of the 1818 Plat Map of Sandusky. Known as the Kilbourne Plat, downtown Sandusky was laid out in the shape of the Masonic emblem.

Local historian James A. Ryan wrote in the January 20, 1932 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal that while Water Street was the location of the very earliest Sandusky businesses, Columbus Avenue saw significant growth in development between 1850 and 1880. W.T. and A.K. West operated a dry goods store on Columbus Avenue before they opened the West House hotel located at the southwest corner of Columbus Avenue and Water Street in 1858.

William A. Graham operated a drug store on the southeast corner of Columbus Avenue and Water Street.
Columbus Avenue continued to be part of the major transportation and business center of the city of Sandusky. Several modes of transportation can be seen at the foot of Columbus Avenue about 1900. (The steamers A. Wehrle, Arrow, and R.B. Hayes are visible in this image.)

Parades held in Sandusky were often routed down Columbus Avenue. A parade held by the Knights of St. John took place in 1910.

Visit the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center to view a variety of books, newspapers, photographs, and other archival resources relating to the history of Sandusky and Erie County.

Has anyone ever identified all the military figures (Columbus excepted) of the early 1800's after whom the original plat north-south streets (those ending at the bay) were named?? By chance, were all of them Masons??

James A. Ryan wrote in the Sandusky Register of Dec. 31, 1922 that many of the streets in Sandusky were named after famous men. The north–south streets were named after individuals who occupied important roles in war, statecraft, industry, and transportation. General Andrew Jackson was the hero of the Battle of New Orleans. Stephen Decatur was a naval hero in the War of 1812. James Lawrence was a naval officer in the War of 1812. Thomas McDonough was a gallant sailor in the War of 1812. Hancock was the first to sign his name to the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin was known for his pleadings in the court of France for the struggling American colonies. Commodore Perry won the Battle of Lake Erie. Jonathan Meigs was an early Postmaster General of the U.S.

Governor Shelby, of Kentucky, helped to furnish soldiers for the War of 1812. Anthony Wayne was known for his success in the Indian Wars. Joseph Warren was a brave fightet from Massachusetts during the Revolution.

The blog comments by "anonymous" about the names of persons for whom the north-south streets were named, ought to be the subject of a full "feature story" on the blog. I doubt if many are aware of the role these persons had in early American history. Making a blog feature article on the subject would increase awareness.

Anonymous notes that Wayne Street was named for Anthony Wayne, who is known as Mad Anthony Wayne. The city of Fort Wayne Indiana is named after him. There is a large statue of him riding on his horse next to the court house in downtown Fort Wayne. In June they have the Mad Anthony pro-celebrity golf tournament for charity